GUILDERLAND — Allan V. Kotmel, a long-time Guilderland School Board member who worked for the state Teachers’ Retirement System, died peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 76.

He was born on May 1, 1942 in Montour Falls, New York, son of the late Vincent Kotmel and the late Grace Kotmel Drew.

He graduated from Morris Central High School in 1960 and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Hartwick College, a master’s degree from Dartmouth College, and a Ph.D. from the University at Albany, all in physics.

While at UAlbany, he met his wife of 49 years, Marjorie Kotmel. They were married in November of 1969.

He spent his entire career working for the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System in the Information Systems department, retiring in 2005. During his career, he was heavily involved in the national Data Processing Management Association (later renamed Association of Information Technology Professionals). He held numerous positions, including region president over the years.

He was also a member of the Guilderland Board of Education for over 10 years, serving as president for part of that tenure.

After retirement, he spent time volunteering at his church, the Centerpointe Community Church, and at Literacy New York Greater Capital. He also loved spending time with his grandkids.

“Allan was well loved and respected by everyone who met him,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He will be missed by everyone who knew him.”

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Allan V. Kotmel is survived by his wife, Marjorie, of Guilderland; by his son, Allan V. Kotmel Jr. of Leesburg, Virginia; by his grandchildren, Alexander and Melina Kotmel of Leesburg, Virginia; by his sister, Bettie Palmer, and her husband, Al, of Schoharie; and several nieces and nephews.

His son, David Kotmel, died before him, as did his sister, Emilie McKown, and his parents.

Visiting hours will be held at Fredendall Funeral Home at 199 Main Street in Altamont on Feb. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will be at Fredendall Funeral Home on Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Guilderland.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1 Marcus Blvd., Suite 104, Albany, NY 12205, or to The Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.